Sunday, August 31, 2008

“Then the (man) believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Then the (man) believed (pisteuo: committed unto, put in trust with, to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in) when he saw (eido: behold, look, perceive, notice, discern, discover) what had happened, being amazed (ekplesso: astonished, to strike with panic, shock) at the teaching (did ache: doctrine, that which is taught, instruction) of the Lord.”

SUMMARY

Then the man believed and was persuaded when he saw and perceived what had happened, because he was astonished and shocked at the teaching and instruction of the Lord.

MEDITATION

What was it that caused people to be amazed at the teachings of Jesus? Do you think Jesus had the hottest name brand clothes from the market mall? Was it the light show and rock band worship team that warmed the crowd before He took a stage? Perhaps He had PowerPoint and movie clips at His disposal? I don’t think so. Jesus spoke of things that affected peoples spirit, not just their emotions. He didn’t just teach the Gospel, He was the Gospel. You and I, today, must be and do likewise. Let’s lay aside the bells and whistles and allow the Holy Spirit alone to power and fuel every word that we speak. Then we will see people truly be changed!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

“For the crooked are an abomination to the LORD; But He is intimate with the upright.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For the crooked (luwz: devious, perverse) are an abomination (tow`ebah: a disgusting thing) to the LORD; But He is intimate (cowd: secret counsel, inward) with the upright (yashar: upright, righteous, straight, just).”

SUMMARY

The perverse and devious are disgusting in the eyes of the Lord, but He intimately dwells with the upright and just.

MEDITATION

In a world where the acceptance of the perverse far outweighs a pursuing of righteousness, I ask you, Will you walk upright before the Lord despite all of the opposition? I personally believe that righteous living will continue to look more and more odd as time continues on. We must always keep in mind that it is the Lord we are to please and not men. And the result? God Himself will be intimately acquainted with you. How’s that for motivation?

Friday, August 29, 2008

“Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

"Who is the one who overcomes (nikao: conquers, prevails, gets the victory, victorious over all His foes, holding fast faith even unto death against the power of foes, temptations and persecutions) the world (cosmos: constitution, order, government), but he who believes (pisteuo: commit to trust, be committed unto, to think to be true, to be persuaded of, place confidence in) that Jesus is the Son of God.”

SUMMARY

The one who is committed to and places his trust in Jesus Christ being the Son of God prevails and gets the victory over the powers of this world.

MEDITATION

All of mankind can be broken down into two simple categories. 1) Those who are being overcome and 2) Overcomers. Which are you? Does your environment and your surroundings dictate who you are and what you do or do you or do you, specifically the Christ within you, dictate your environment? Today, know who you are according to what the Word says and walk confidently in it. Don’t be overrun and walk in fear any longer, be an overcomer!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

“For where your treasure (thesaurus: the place in which good and precious things are collected and laid up, a treasury, storehouse)is, there your heart (kardia: the center and seat of spiritual life; seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors) will be also.”

SUMMARY

For where your storehouse of things deemed precious to you is, there you will also find the center of all of your affections and desires.

MEDITATION

This has got to be one of the most simple Kingdom principles. Want to truly know where your motivations, loyalties, trust and drive comes from? Well just look at what you “store up” in your life. Is your life riddled with earthly treasures and day after day of seeking earthly gain and approval in the eyes of men? Or, are the things that you spend your time, money and efforts on rooted in spiritual matters that are not of this world? From the way we love to the way we spend our paycheck, we’re constantly laying up treasures. Today, fill up your storehouse with Godly treasures that will never pass away.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (KJV)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Fear (phobeo: be afraid, terrified, scared away, to put to flight, to be seized with alarm, startled by strange sights or occurrences) not, little (mikros: least, small, less, of small stature and quantity, of small rank or influence) flock (poimnion: group of Christ's disciples, body of Believers); for it is your Father’s good pleasure (eudokeo: be well pleased, be willing, take pleasure in, think it good, to prefer, to be favorably inclined towards) to give you the kingdom (basileia: kingship, dominion, rule; of the royal power of Jesus Christ as the triumphant Messiah).”

SUMMARY

Don’t be afraid or startled by what you see all around you, My little body of Believers; for I take great pleasure in giving you the Kingdom that is the royal power and kingship of Jesus Christ as the triumphant Messiah!

MEDITATION

This verse immediately resounds within me as a warning against gargantuan congregations and en masse Christianity. We’ve been misled to believe that the more people attend our gatherings, the more successful they somehow are. How contrary to the Word! Today, make sure you’re establishing real, Spirit-led relationships with others who are truly, wholeheartedly, seeking the Lord. For these, my friend, will inherit the Kingdom!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

“And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.“ (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“And He sent them out to proclaim (kerusso: preach, publish, proclaim, herald) the kingdom (basileia: royal power, kingship, dominion, rule) of God and to perform healing (iaomai: make whole, to cure, free from errors and sins).“

SUMMARY

And Jesus sent them out to proclaim the royal rule and dominion of God and to bring healing to those in need of being cured and made whole.

MEDITATION

Just as He did the disciples, Jesus has sent you out into this earth as a new creation man or woman in order to establish His Kingdom. We’ve also been given the ability to heal the sick and make people whole via His Kingdom power. Today, walk as an Ambassador of His Kingdom and rise above the distractions of this earth. Remember, we, those who are in Him, are not of this world.

The Lord clothed the heavens with clouds. The Lord prepares and provides rain for the earth. The Lord makes grass to spring forth upon the mountains.

MEDITATION

In our area of the country, we’re in a severe drought. Just last night we heard that local reservoirs and lakes are now down as much as fifteen feet. Needless to say, people are concerned. Well, this morning we woke up to the beautiful sound of rain! It got me to thinking about the frailty of man. Even when something that is as easily overlooked as rain is lacking, we’re greatly affected. God, the Creator is our Provider. Whether the world believes it or not, our every move and breath is completely dependent upon Him. Today, join me as I thank Him for “the little things” that literally sustain life as we know it.

Don’t weary yourself to become rich and wealthy, forsake your own wisdom and understanding.

MEDITATION

“Kingdom Wealth“, “5 Steps to God’s Financial Blessings“, “A Visit from the Angel of Finance” - the list goes on and on and on. Turn on Christian broadcasting and what will you hear within minutes? “Give”, “sow”, “blessing” - the Christian world is fascinated with pursuing financial gain. Yet the Word tells us to forsake it, leave it alone! They’ve created “spiritual lottery tickets”, where it’s falsely taught that if you give enough and “scratch enough”, you will be a financial winner, blessed by God. Friend, God wants your life - He wants to be your entire focus. He does not need your money. If He has your life, your money will follow. You want to sow some seed and reap a harvest? Seek intimacy with Him, love your neighbor and walk by the Spirit.

Suffer and endure affliction with me, as an excellent and admirable soldier in the army of Christ Jesus.MEDITATION

Have you ever walked up to another Believer and said, “Hey, why don’t you come and suffer affliction with me today!”? Likely not (they'd probably run away from you anyway). Often we have such a skewed view of what it means to be a Christian. Even within Christian communities, you’re bombarded with how to be a “nice person” or a “good witness” but are seldom, if ever, encouraged to endure affliction as an admirable soldier for Christ. Today, change how you see yourself. You are an Ambassador of Christ’s eternal Kingdom - now walk on and act like it.

Anxiety and heaviness in a man’s inner being causes it to stoop down and bow to sorrow, but a pleasant and fair word makes it rejoice and be glad.

MEDITATION

In a world filled with negativity and down-and-outs, it seems the majority actually enjoy wallowing in how bad everything is. May it not be so for you today! Avoid anxiety and sorrow for yourself by speaking words full of life and prosperity (and I don’t mean monetarily). Surround yourself with people that do likewise! When you go through your day, be mindful of your words. We’ve all heard, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all”. I say we replace that with, “If you can’t say anything good, open up your mouth and say it anyway!”

Thursday, August 21, 2008

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“He who has an ear (ous: the faculty of perceiving with the mind, the faculty of understanding and knowing), let him hear (akouo: hearken, give audience, not deaf, attend to, understand, perceive, comprehend) what the Spirit (pneuma: Holy Ghost, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of truth, Spirit of Christ, the third person of the trinity - the God the Holy Spirit) says (lego: speaks, calls, tells, teaches, exhorts, advises, directs, commands) to the churches (ekklesia: assembly, a gathering of called out citizens, a company of those united into one body).”

SUMMARY

He who has the ability to listen, let him hearken to and comprehend what the Spirit speaks and commands to the gathering of those called out that are united in one body.

MEDITATION

Seemingly few seem to realize that the Spirit is still speaking today. Monotony and complacency are the norm and moves of God are too often either man-made or written off as a false reality. I charge you, will you hear what the Spirit is speaking to you today? You don’t have to hear His voice in “conventional”, earthly ways either. We must understand that God is Spirit, therefore we must approach Him as such (John 4:24). This is not some mystical fairy tale, for you too are a spirit, created in His image. Today, begin to walk accordingly.

Don’t be prevailed over and defeated by evil and harmful things, but conquer and prevail over evil with things that are useful, excellent and upright.

MEDITATION

Defeat and injury abounds in the Body in this hour - many are the wounded all around us. I believe that much of it can be attributed to an errant submission to evil and destructive ways and thoughts. In Christ, you have been made to be more than a conqueror, no longer ruled and lorded over by the evils of this world. Today, rise above your circumstances. In the power of Christ within you, be one who prevails, rather than one is prevailed over.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

“So then, you will know (epiginosko: recognize, acknowledge, perceive, have knowledge of, to become thoroughly acquainted with - by sight, hearing, of certain signs)them by their fruits (karpos: that which originates or comes from something, an effect, a result).”

SUMMARY

So then, you will be able to perceive and evaluate them according to the results that their life produces.

MEDITATION

Jesus told us plain and simply how to discern the true Believer from the false. He stated in black and white terms, good will produce good and bad will produce bad. I believe that is critical in this hour to surround yourself with true Believers, ones that are found to be producing good fruit. Become thoroughly acquainted with their ways, watch them, know them - wisely perceive who you share your life with. Also, do all that you can today to be found as one producing good fruit that will last, as defined by the Word.

You Word oh God is exceedingly pure, tested and found true, Therefore I, Your bondservant, a worshipper of You, love and crave It.

MEDITATION

On a weekly basis, I see Bibles laying in seats of floorboards of cars, sitting amongst the trash and dirt. On the flipside, we’ve all seen the “Holy Bible” that seemingly decorates many a book shelf in homes, yet is seldom, if ever opened and explored. If you have an ongoing love for His Word, praise God! If you don’t, make time today to crack the pages and ask Him to show you how alive His Word truly is. The Bible is not some mysterious book that only the learned and scholarly can understand. It is full of life, hope, purpose and commands of God that will literally awaken your soul. (Read all of Psalm 119 and see how much of it applies to how you feel - it is a great gauge to define where you stand.)

Sunday, August 17, 2008

“So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.“ (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“So then do not be foolish (aphron: unwise, without reason, senseless, stupid, without reflection or intelligence, acting rashly), but understand (suniemi: consider, be wise, perceive) what the will (thelema: desire, pleasure, of what God wishes to be done by us, commands, precepts) of the Lord is.“

SUMMARY

So, don’t be a senseless fool that acts rashly, but consider and understand what the Lord desires of you that brings pleasure to Him.

MEDITATION

God’s will - two words so often thrown about with such little care or concern. Today, be wise and take time to consider, to ponder on what brings pleasure to God’s heart. Don’t be found flippantly running through life without understanding His will for you. Be wise, be deliberate, be one that is truly found in the will of God.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For this is the love (agape: charity, brotherly love, affection, good will, benevolence) of God, that we keep (tereo: reserve, observe, watch, preserve, hold fast to) His commandments (entole: an order, command, charge, precept, injunction; a prescribed rule in accordance with which a thing is done); and His commandments are not burdensome (barus: grievous, heavy, weighty, severe, violent, cruel, unsparing ).”

SUMMARY

For this is how we deeply love God, we observe and keep His commands and order - and His commands are not grievous and burdensome.

MEDITATION

How do we really show that we love God? According to the Word, it’s not by teaching Sunday School, giving our tithes or being a good person. One who truly loves Him observes His commands - and they are not horrible tasks that we must labor and toil to do. Today, seek His Word and live according to it. In doing so, God Himself will see your great love for Him.

Friday, August 15, 2008

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (KJV)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Therefore if any man be in (en: denoting a fixed position; a relation of rest, by, with, among) Christ, he is a new (kainos: recently made, fresh, recent, unused, unworn, of a new kind, unprecedented, novel, uncommon, unheard of) creature: old things (archaios: of old, a good while ago, original, primal, ancient) are passed away (parenchyma: gone past, passed by, of persons moving forward, perish, to neglect, omit, to be carried past, averted); behold, all things are become new (kainos: recently made, fresh, recent, unused, unworn, of a new kind, unprecedented, novel, uncommon, unheard of).”

SUMMARY

So then, if any man be in a fixed position with Christ, he is a creature of a new kind. Old things from days past are neglected, averted and therefore forced to perish. Look, all things are becoming fresh and new.

MEDITATION

What a powerful truth! If only we walked completely given over to new creation mentality. I’m not just dead to sin, I’m a completely new species that resides within Christ who is the Creator and first-born. Today, neglect those things of old and embrace the new!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Behold, I send (apostello: send forth, send away, send out; to go to a place appointed) you out as sheep (probaton: sheepfold, tame animal accustomed to graze)in the midst of wolves (lukos: metaphorical of cruel, greedy, rapacious, destructive men); so be shrewd (phronimos: wise, intelligent, prudent, mindful of others interests, cautious) as serpents (ophis: an emblem of cunning and wisdom) and innocent (akeraios: harmless, unmixed, pure as in wines or metals; without a mixture of evil, free from guile, innocent, simple) as doves (peristera: representative of peace, gentleness and purity).”

SUMMARY

Look and listen! I send you out as a tame one in the midst of cruel and destructive men, so be cautious, be intelligent and be mindful of their interests as one who is wise, free from evil and full of peace and purity.

MEDITATION

In a world where everyone blares acceptance and approval, few seem to be on the watch for the wolves. Turning a blind eye and living your life free of discernment is spiritual ignorance. Today, call upon the Lord to unveil your eyes to see the wolves. Do all that you can to rid any mixing with evil in your life and be wise - be mindful of others interests. We are called to be watchmen and ambassadors - it’s time we assume our role.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.” (NKJV)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“For everyone who partakes (met echo: take part in, use) only of milk (gala: a metaphor for the less difficult Christian truths ) is unskilled (apeiros: without any experience or inexperienced) in the word of righteousness (dikaiosune: condition acceptable to God; integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting), for he is a babe (nepios: child, childish, infant, little child, not of age, untaught, unskilled).”

SUMMARY

For everyone who only takes part in the simple things of God is inexperienced in knowing what is acceptable to God, for he is a childish, unskilled and untaught infant.

MEDITATION

Where is your maturity level in Christ today? How do you even know? Do you gauge the depth of your walk by comparing yourself to others or do you live motivated by the Word alone? Today, it’s my prayer that you move out deeper into the truths of God. Evaluate your spiritual maturity by the Word of God alone. It is your sole responsibility to be found skilled and experienced in His deep truths - we are all without excuse.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“While Peter was still speaking (laleo: uttering a voice or emitting a sound, faculty of speech, talking, to use words in order to declare one's mind and disclose one's thoughts) these words, the Holy Spirit fell (epipipto: to fall upon, to rush or press upon, to lie upon one, to fall upon one i.e. to seize, take possession of him) upon all (pas: all men, whosoever, everyone) those who were listening (akouo: hear, hearken, give audience, consider what is being or has been said , to understand, perceive the sense of what is said) to the message (logos: word, account, Word which is Christ).”

SUMMARY

While Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon everyone that was considering what was being said in his account of Jesus.

MEDITATION

Are your words so filled with your personal account of Christ that it opens the door for the Holy Spirit to fall upon all who are listening? The personal Gospel that we live is where the power lies within us. It’s not reciting some pre-programmed formula and waiting to see what happens. Today, simply live by the Spirit and allow that power to be seen and heard in your life.

Monday, August 11, 2008

“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Set your mind (phroneo: think, regard, affections, to seek, to strive for) on the things above (ano: high, upwards, above, of heaven), not on the things that are on earth (ge: land, ground, world, earthly).”

SUMMARY

Think on and set your affections toward things of heaven, not on worldly things of the earth.

MEDITATION

Today, strive to see every situation and every person through “heavenly eyes”. When you encounter someone, whether stranger, friend or foe, see them in light of heaven. When you face the routines of normal life, approach them from a heavenly perspective. Deliberately take steps today to set your mind on heavenly things - the cares of the earth will then begin to fall away.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“But realize this, that in the last (eschatos: last state, ends, latter end, last in a series) days difficult (chalepos: perilous, fierce, hard to bear, troublesome, dangerous, harsh) times will come (enistemi: be present, be at hand, be upon, impend, threaten).”

SUMMARY

Realize this, in the last days, perilous and troublesome times will be upon us.

MEDITATION

It’s no question that we’re now in the last days. With that in mind, may we heed the Word and be aware that difficult times will be a part of it. Despite all of the earthly chaos, be sure that you have established a place of solace with the Father. Today, remain in Him and don’t allow the troubles of this world to move you.

Friday, August 8, 2008

“You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (NASB)STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“You too be patient (makrothumeo: endure, not to lose heart, persevere patiently and bravely; to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish); strengthen (sterizo: establish, make stable, make firm) your hearts (kardia: the center and seat of spiritual life; seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors), for the coming (parousia: arrival, advent; the future visible return from heaven of Jesus, to raise the dead, hold the last judgment, and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God) of the Lord is at hand (eggizo: draw nigh, be at hand, come near, approaching).”

Today I simply want to say a prayer: “Lord, may Your people only have eyes for You today. May we not grow weary in well doing or become impatient in our waiting. Jesus, You are surely returning soon to establish Your Kingdom. Unveil our eyes to see nothing but this Kingdom. Let all else fall away and be as garbage under our feet today. It‘s time all distractions and earthly passions die - let them die today. Today, we live for Your Kingdom alone.”

Thursday, August 7, 2008

“And this we will do, if God permits.” (NASB)STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS“And this (touto: that thing, this thing) we will do (poieo: make, bring forth, commit, cause, work, show, bear, fulfill), if God permits (epigraph: give leave, give liberty, give license, permits, allows).”SUMMARYWe will commit to, and do, this and that, if God allows.MEDITATIONI know this is as simple as it gets, but it stood out to me today. I urge you today to submit every “this and that” that you commit to - to first present it to the Lord. Not everything will He permit and allow for us to do. How many pitfalls and distractions would we have avoided in our lives if we had first asked God what He would permit us to do instead of blazing our own trail. So for today, and every day to follow, have this verse as an ongoing dialogue with God saying, “Lord, may I only be found doing what you would allow me to.”

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (NASB)STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS"Bless (eulogeo: praise, celebrate with praises, invoke blessings upon) those who curse (kataraomai: doom, imprecate evil upon) you, pray for those who mistreat (epereazo: despitefully use, falsely accuse, insult, treat abusively, use despitefully, revile, threaten) you."SUMMARY Praise and call down blessings upon those who wish evil upon you. Pray for those who falsely accuse and despise you. MEDITATIONNow here's an easy task, right? I don't think so either. Only when we learn that this is all temporal and our reputations mean nothing will this ever be possible. Today, instead of avoiding people and circumstances that you know cause conflict or trouble, run straight for them and let the love of Christ shine through! Our identity must reside in Jesus alone!

SUMMARYO Lord of everything, my personal and mighty God, I cried out loud to You for help and You have healed me, for You are the Great Physician!MEDITATIONHave you ever been sick in your natural body? I’m sure that you have been at some point - I have too. In fact, I’ve been fighting off sickness over the last four days now. I’ve declared healing, I’ve asked God to touch me, I’ve rested. Yet it still remains. I will not waiver though – I am a new creation and I, even now, reside in Heavenly places beside Jesus Himself. Today, I will cry out loud, with my voice, to My personal God and the mighty God of the Universe. You see, the key here is that I see Him as both. He is not just Lord of all Creation, He is my personal Lord of my everyday life. Today, settle for nothing less than complete healing in your life – whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual.

Monday, August 4, 2008

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” (NASB)STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Trust (batach: to have confidence, to be secure, to cause to trust, to feel safe) in the LORD with all your heart (leb: mind, understanding, wisdom, inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding, knowledge, thinking, reflection, conscience, seat of emotions and passions) and do not lean (sha`an: rely, rest, trust in, support) on your own understanding (biynah: wisdom, knowledge, discernment).”SUMMARYBe secure and have confidence in the Lord with all of your understanding, will and emotions. Do not rely on your own wisdom and knowledge.MEDITATION

What do you lean on? What does your hope and rest rely on? If it’s anything of yourself, it is not enough. Today, put your entire confidence in the Lord. Don’t rely on anything of yourself that is separate from Him. He alone will guide you perfectly.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

"But I say, walk (peripateo: go, walk about, be occupied) by the Spirit, and you will not carry out (teleo: finish, fulfill, accomplish, pay, perform, execute, complete) the desire (epithumia: lust, craving, longing - for what is forbidden) of the flesh (sarx: carnally minded, the body; natural or physical origin)."

SUMMARY

I say to you, go forth and be occupied by the Spirit and you will not fulfill the longings and cravings of your natural man.

MEDITATION

What in the world would professing Believers look like if we were completely occupied with the Spirit? Oh to leave behind the ways of the flesh and only pursue Spirit matters! Today, make that your goal. Submit every thought and action to the Lord and only allow Spirit acts to prevail.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (NASB)STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

"Call (qara': call out, cry out, utter a loud sound, call unto, cry for help, summon, invite, commission) to Me and I will answer (`anah: hear, respond to) you, and I will tell (nagad: show, declare, utter, expound, report, make known, inform) you great (gadowl: great and large in magnitude and importance) and mighty things, which you do not know (yada`: perceive, understand, acknowledge, consider, find out or discern) .”

SUMMARY

Cry out to Me and I will hear you and respond. I will make known to you great and mighty things which you don't now perceive or understand.

MEDITATION

God has hidden His mysteries in order for us to search them out and find them. He desires them to be found, not kept from us. So many times I hear others say that God just doesn't speak to them. The fact of the matter is, it's our end of the conversation that is lacking. God is a God of promise. If He says that when we call out to Him, He hears and responds - then when we call out to Him, He will hear and He will respond. Make time today to deliberately call out to Him and expect to see and hear great and mighty things!

Friday, August 1, 2008

"But many who are first will be last; and the last, first." (NASB)STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

"But many who are first (protos: first in time, place, rank, influence, honor) will be last (eschatos: lowest, uttermost, last state, latter end, last in time or in place and temporal succession; last in rank and grade of worth); and the last, first."

SUMMARY

Many who hold high influential places of honor will be brought to be the lowest and those who are already laid low and "last in line", will be exalted to the highest place.

MEDITATION

As I look all around, I see high and esteemed ones - both in the secular world and in organized religion. It saddens me to see so many grappling to get the top spot and receive their glory and reward in the here and now. Today, willingly take the lower position - exalt others above yourself. God is the exalter, not you and I - let Him be the One to do it in due time.

Who runs this thing?

I'm pretty much your average 44 year old guy that now lives in the beautiful mountains of Southwestern Virginia. I love being a daddy and a husband. I live to be continually conformed into the image of Christ and believe that I exist to bring Heaven down to the earth. I love to challenge what you believe - not so that I can prove that either of us are right or wrong, but to get you to know why you believe what you do.
I'm not into conferences, glory meetings or hyped up Christianity. Nor am I stagnant and zombie-fied in ignorance and spiritual depravity while snoring in a church pew. Are these our only two options? Who will mature in Christ and seek to be conformed to His image above all else?
I used to write.... ALOT. I started two books that have been temporarily "shelved" until some spare time returns.
I long for Christ's sleeping church to awaken and share this whenever I can. I believe and personally know that God speaks to people today. Will you heed His voice?
Feel free to email me at: desh412[at]yahoo.com .